Andriy Shevchenko: From Hero to Hero

New Faces

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signings of two young strikers from Championship side Crewe Alexandra.

David Albon and Graeme Sheriff have been at Crewe since they were just young kids and came through the Crewe academy together. Both were touted to be possible stars of the future, however, now both of them have been snapped up by QPR, for just the fee of 60k each.



"People say QPR are no Manchester United or Arsenal, but for me, I find it an honour that a Premier League club, and a well-supported one at that, were interested in me. When I found out it took me no time to sign the contract. Crewe are still my boyhood heroes, and it was thanks to the youth coaches there that allowed QPR's interest in me," said Albon.

Sheriff said, "Even though I am now a QPR player, I will definitely continue to support Crewe. I can't thank them enough for everything."

The Next Michael Owen

Questions have now been raised after Andriy Shevchenko splashed 10 million on Newcastle's Adam Campbell, with a potential 3 million more if Campbell ever makes an appearance for England.



Campbell, labeled 'the next Michael Owen', has been a part of the Newcastle youth teams since 2010, and has been chased by Queens Park Rangers since the start of the new year. However, he remained loyal to the Toon and insisted he wanted to stay.

Unfortunately for the Newcastle fans, Shevchenko made Newcastle a offer they couldn't refuse.

"10 million is a big price to pay for an 18-year-old," Shevchenko admitted. "But in time, Adam will be worth more than 20 million."

The Clearout

Queens Park Rangers have completed a clear-out of players, but manager Andriy Shevchenko still thinks there might be "two or three more" that might depart Loftus Road before the end of the window.


Robert Green has completed a 500k move to Liverpool, while Hogan Ephraim makes a 500k move as well to Ipswich. Ephraim is joined by his teammate Jay Bothroyd, who also leaves for Ipswich on a free.


Meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora also complete free transfers to Scottish champions Celtic.


Shevchenko's clear-out has signified his desire to shape the team into one of his own, and despite the majority being free transfers, has freed up the wage budget. Green was on 50k per week, while Zamora was on about 40k or 50k per week.

Queens Park Rangers complete double swoop

Queens Park Rangers have added two more names to the Loftus Road squad, with young 15-year-old Dutch keeper Cees van Roosmalen linking up with Andriy Shevchenko's side, as well as veteran left-back Stephen Warnock being brought in on a free transfer to fill the void of Fabio who has returned to Manchester United.



Warnock, a former youth product of Liverpool, joined Blackburn in 2007 after kicking off his career with the Reds in 1998. He then linked up with Aston Villa in 2009, but found himself surplus to requirements after Paul Lambert took over the Villans, and he was shipped off on loan to Bolton, where he impressed in the Championship. Released by Aston Villa at the start of the season, Queens Park Rangers have offered him a chance to stay in the Premier League.

van Roosmalen is a youth product of Dutch side NAC Breda, who currently play in the Eredivisie.

On his arrival, Warnock had this to say: "QPR are a great team, and the fact that they qualified for the Europa League and won the FA Cup last season made me want to join them. When I knew they were interested in me I couldn't wait to put pen to paper. I've met Andriy and he's a brilliant man, I can't wait to play under him."

The Return of Joey Barton

I waited outside the airport, reading that book I've been wanting to finish. Soon enough, out came the man I had been waiting for, accompanied by a few journalists tagging close behind, trying to get the man to answer a few questions.

"Shoo," the man said to the journalists, obviously annoyed. "Or I'll get over there and pummel you!"

The journalist he had been talking to shrank back, a slightly fearful expression etched on his face. It seemed to get rid of the other journalists as well. The man walked past me, and I got up from my seat, straightening myself, and made my appearance known.

"Hm? You are..." The man eyed me.

"Hello, Mr. Joey Barton. I'm Andriy Shevchenko, manager of Queens Park Rangers. Namely, your manager."

"My manager?" Joey Barton looked at me curiously. "You're not going to try and sell me away, eh? That's a first."

"I came to welcome you home from France," I grinned at him. He looked back at me with a weird look on his face.

"That's nice," he said absentmindedly, tugging his big ass luggage along with him.

"I just wanted to tell you that you will be a big part of my plans along the season, and to remind you to show up for training the next morning," I said, trying to sound friendly.

"Will do," Joey nodded, and continued on his way.

"So, how was France?" I asked, continuing.

He looked at me again. "It was nice."

"Ah, okay."

"Are you a stalker or something?"

"I just want to know a player that I'm going to manage a little more," I replied warmly. He blinked at me, giving me that weird look again, before shrugging.

New Staff Member

"Good afternoon Andriy."

I looked up. "Afternoon Mike," I looked at the club's director of football. "Is there a particular thing you're here for?"

"I want to introduce our new Head of Youth Development," Mike smiled, gesturing over to an Englishman who had just stepped into the room. "Meet Dave Parnaby, Andriy."

"Good afternoon, Dave."

"Hello, Andriy," Dave smiled and nodded. He looked around 50.

"He comes as a replacement for Shaun Hallett," Mike explained. "Shaun left the club last week."

"Right," I nodded.

"I'll be scouting youths from now on along with the scouts, except the scouts don't have the leadership I do," Dave explained his duties. "The ones that I think are good, I'll make a transfer bid for them, and then you make the final decision if the opposite party accepts."

"Shaun never did that," I blinked.

"Which is why Dave will be a better Head of Youth," Mike grinned.

Awesome story!

The Friendlies

I looked at the friendlies sheet Mark had given me, on it a detailed report on every friendly. A rather okay pre-season, I guess, although there were still some humiliating results.


Friendlies
Luzenac Ariege 2 - 2 QPR
Park
Dao

AS Cannes 1 - 0 QPR

FC Gueugnon 0 - 4 QPR
Nem
Park
Park
Owen

Blackpool 1 - 1 QPR
Hoilett

Salamanca 1 - 2 QPR
Hoilett
Albon

My new young Dutch keeper looked good, playing in three of the friendlies. I also played the newcomers from Crewe, Albon and Sheriff, in central defense. Both can play as defender/striker... weird. Anyway, Sheriff was rather disappointing, and so was Albon, but at least Albon scored a goal.

The Next Leighton Baines

Just a few weeks after making Adam Campbell, dubbed 'the next Michael Owen', a QPR player, manager Andriy Shevchenko has spent 5 million to bring 'the next Leighton Baines' to Loftus Road.



Luke Shaw, a youth product of Southampton, has not made a single appearance in the Premier League before, but QPR scouts have obviously been watching the 18-year-old left-back.

"To join a team like Queens Park Rangers is what every young boy dreams about," said Shaw. "I have watched this team last season and they played great football, so I am excited that Andriy (Shevchenko) has given me the opportunity to be a part of that. He says I will be getting my chance this season and that he thinks I could be occupying the left-back position here at Loftus Road for many more years, so it's brilliant that he has such faith in me."

Community Shield: Pre-Match

"Good afternoon, Andriy, and thank you for agreeing to an interview on such short notice!"

"Good afternoon!"

"So, let's get on with it then. Your side face Tottenham Hotspur in the battle for the Community Shield, with your QPR team having won the FA Cup and Tottenham having won the Premier League last season. With Tottenham's team strength, do you think you stand a chance against them?"

"I think that every one, even our own fans, will think 'no, we don't have a chance'. However, that was what people thought when we crushed Arsenal 4-0 and won against Man City in shootouts last season en route to the FA Cup."

"Ah, you have absolute confidence in your team then?"

"Absolute confidence."

"Can you tell us more about your team line-up against Tottenham? I'm sure everybody is curious what kind of side you are going to field."

"I am not going to give Tottenham an advantage by disclosing information, but I'll just say I am going to be fielding my strongest side for the match, unless any of them, touch wood, get themselves injured."

"I see, I see. Since Junior Hoilett will be with his national team on international duty and in the process, unavailable for this match, do you think that will have an impact on your chances of winning?"

"Well, Junior is very much a game-changer, and I was planning to start him. But we have plenty of quality in the squad and I am sure whoever fills in for him will do a good job."

"Who do you think you will have to look out for?"

"Hm... Gareth Bale is not with them anymore, so I'd have to say someone like Jose Sosa. I've watched him play many times and he's such a quality player. It'll be tough to play against someone like him and we'll definitely have to watch him. On his day, he can turn the tide. Also, other players like Sandro will be causing problems for us in midfield, and of course, Hugo Lloris, who, I think, is one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now."

"That's interesting, so, will any of your new summer signings be featuring, whether on the field or from the bench?"

"Hm, that is hard to say. I will assess them and see if they are ready for such an important match yet."

"Alright, thank you for the interview, Andriy."

"Thank you."

Good going! Can't wait for the next update, on a side note...

100th reply

You smell that? It smells like Tottenham's ass getting kicked!

2012-12-12 23:48#72027 Atreidas : Good going! Can't wait for the next update, on a side note...

100th reply

Damnit Atreidas I wanted 100th reply.

2012-12-13 00:08#72030 The FM Rookie : You smell that? It smells like Tottenham's ass getting kicked!

Quite a smell! Thanks!

Community Shield: Back on the Pitch

Niall Quinn: So glad you could join us today again, Gary!

Gary Neville: No problem, Niall, I wouldn't miss this match!

Niall Quinn: Welcome to the Wembley Stadium, where we see the Premier League title winners, Tottenham, and the FA Cup holders, Queens Park Rangers, face off against each other today for the Community Shield.

Gary Neville: Right you are, Niall!

Niall Quinn: Both sides are capable of springing plenty of surprises, so I think we're in for a good match.

Gary Neville: It should be worth noting though, that in their last Premier League fixture against each other, Queens Park Rangers beat Tottenham 1-0.

Niall Quinn: Right, Gary... This will be interesting! Now let's take a look at the line-ups for today.


Gary Neville: On QPR's side is Julio Cesar in goal. Bosingwa at right-back, and their summer acquisition Stephen Warnock at left-back. Doria and Stephane Mbia enforces the defense, and Samba Diakite as a defensive midfielder. The absence of Nedum Onuoha through injury could have a big impact on this.

Niall Quinn: Joey Barton, who has recently returned on loan from Marseille in France gets a surprise start today alongside Alejandro Faurlin in central midfield. Park Ji-Sung and Junior Hoilett operate on either wing and Djibril Cisse leads the attack.

Gary Neville: Now to Tottenham. Lloris in goal as usual and the title-winning back-four of Walker, Dawson, Kaboul, and Assou-Ekotto. Vurnon Anita, signed from Newcastle, starts in defensive midfield as well as fellow summer signing Felipe Melo. The Brazilian signed from Juventus this summer will start in central midfield alongside Tottenham talisman Sandro.

Niall Quinn: Argentinians Jose Sosa and another summer signing Nicolas Gaitan will be on both wings. The ever reliable Jermaine Defoe will look to score a few goals today.

Gary Neville: I think both sides have a strong first eleven but Tottenham definitely has stronger players. However it's not always the strongest side that wins.

Niall Quinn: Now, to kickoff!


1' - Hello, and welcome to Wembley Stadium, as we kick off Queens Park Rangers vs Tottenham in this season curtain-raiser.

2' - And of course, the one who picks up the first foul and warning is none other than Joey Barton, just two minutes after his return to English football.

31' - Barton is shown a yellow card... his aggressiveness hasn't changed, eh?

40' - Stephane Mbia looks to have picked up a knock after clashing with Vurnon Anita... but it looks as if he can continue.

43' - Joey Barton is at the center of attention again as he picks up a knock as well.

45' GOAL - A bit of beautiful passing football finds Assou-Ekotto and the Tottenham left-back slots it coolly into the net past Julio Cesar!

45' - HT: QPR 0-1 Tottenham, the Spurs lead at the break through Assou-Ekotto's goal.

45' - Andriy Shevchenko decides to make three substitutions at the break, with Adam Campbell, Adel Taarabt and Junior Hoilett coming on for Djibril Cisse, Park Ji-Sung, and Wellington Nem. Hoilett is supposed to be on international duty, but it seems he has decided to put his club ahead of his country.

68' GOAL - Adel Taarabt and Alejandro Faurlin play a one-two, and Faurlin plays Adam Campbell through... the QPR record signing rushes into the box, and with no defenders tending to him, Campbell blasts it fiercely into the goal past Hugo Lloris! Not a bad way to introduce himself at all!

69' - Emmanuel Adebayor is on for Jermaine Defoe.

75' - Martin Olsson comes on for Assou-Ekotto and Sigurdsson comes on for Felipe Melo.

81' - Lloris' goal kick sails to Martin Olsson, and left dangerously unmarked, the Swede manages to charge at goal and fire a shot, but Julio Cesar doesn't even have to do a thing as the ball goes wide off the mark. Embarrassing miss.

90' - FT: QPR 1-1 Tottenham, and it looks like this will go to penalty shootouts.

GOAL - Adel Taarabt fires it easily past Hugo Lloris.

GOAL - Emmanuel Adebayor also takes his penalty easily, putting it into the back of the net.

MISS - Alejandro Faurlin's penalty is saved by Hugo Lloris!

GOAL - Sigurdsson makes no mistake and puts his ball into the net.

GOAL - Joey Barton takes his first penalty for Queens Park Rangers, and he scores!

GOAL - Jose Sosa makes Julio Cesar go the wrong way as he shoots it into the back of the net, and he looks rather pleased with himself.

MISS - Junior Hoilett misses his penalty!

GOAL - And it's all over for Queens Park Rangers as Younes Kaboul slots in his penalty! Tottenham have won the Community Shield!

QPR - Home for the Outcasts

Queens Park Rangers have completed a swoop for Manchester City's Gareth Barry on a season-long loan as well as Real Madrid's Spanish winger Jese.



Jese comes to QPR for a fee of only 5k, as Real Madrid was eager to get rid of the 20-year-old, while Gareth Barry is expected to link up with QPR permanently after his Manchester City contract expires next summer. Both players are 'outcasts' at their former clubs having failed to secure first-team positions, or in Barry's situation, lost his first-team place.

"It's great that I've been handed an opportunity to have a fresh new start in England with Queens Park Rangers," said Jese in his native Spanish. "I'll try my best here and am optimistic I'll secure a first-team place sooner or later."